After the Revolution (Apprentice) : Goes to his shop Polishes the shop and opens it at 8 Makes furniture and sells them Closes his shop at about 7pm
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Very calm and relaxed, but has a strong individuality and integrity.
Past/individual-family history: His father was an artisan, which motivated him to be a artisan as well.
Family: (spouse? siblings?...) I am an only child. My grandparents are still alive, and so are my parents.
Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in the class, AND your opinions and feelings about them): Very social, and has many friends that he keeps in touch with. I like the people in our class, they are very patriotic, and they have a strong mind.
Religion: Catholic, but doesn't practice often.
Education: No schooling, but his parents taught him the basics about how to read and write.
Languages you speak: French
Main privileges and/or hardships: There were barely any privileges for being the third class. The taxes were really hard for me to pay.
Portrait: (find one online and paste it in)
November 15, 1789
Dear diary, today, the weather was frosty. The clouds were shadowing over our whole town. It's been a while since I last saw the blue skies and the bright sun. The weather here at Sceaux has been getting worse by day. I started my day with a rush. I overslept, so I didn't have enough time to sit down for a breakfast. I grabbed a loaf and started running to my master's house. My master's house is about 8 miles away from where I live. I usually head my way to his house at when it is pitch black but today, I started my long walk, or should I say run, when the sky was turning grey. I knew I was late. I started running as fast as I could, because I knew my master would be furious if I arrived late for my work. Today I had lots of chores to do, and lots to learn. My master taught me how to craft many items. I wish to become a great artisan one day As I was running, I noticed a almost run-down cottage. I saw a man on the door steps sobbing quietly. My instincts told me that there was something wrong, and I had to help him. His name was Jean-philippe Gauthier. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that he felt so sorry and guilty. I asked for what he was feeling guilty for. He was upset that as a father of 3 kids, he couldn't even feed his children. His children were starving, and I felt so sorry for him that I decided to give him my loaf. He thanked me and asked him how he could pay him back. I told him that it was okay and I hurried to my master's house. When I got there, I started my usual chores as usual. I chopped some woods and did some delivering for my master. After all the chores were done, I ate lunch and I started to practice my crafting. I made a stool, and my master praised my work.
My master dismissed me late today since I wasn't punctual that day. I headed home and when I came halfway, rain started showering down! I had to find a place to stay dry. I started running looking for shelter. When I ran for about 5 minutes, I found the farmer's house that I encountered with earlier today. I knocked on the door and his children opened the door for me. Three little children called his father, and when his father came out, he happily greeted me. Although I knew it was rude to ask to stay for the night when I barely knew him, I had no choice. I asked him if I could stay over at his house for the night, to my surprise, he gladly said yes. I thanked him over a million times. He gave me his children's room. I insisted that I sleep on the floor, he gave me a bed, and his children shared two beds between three of them. He fired some woods for me to dry up. We started talking about our lives. We both complained about taxes that burdened us. Taxes were huge on us, but for those rich people like those over fed nobles and clergy, they didn't pay any taxes. He was worried about his crops too. Because of the bad weathers that has been going on for months now was really fatal to his crops and his families. He barely had income, but the taxes kept on increasing. We went on and on about unfairness of the government and complaining about it. About an hour later, we felt fatigue and went to bed. I hope the weather would get better tomorrow. Okay, so I'm going go to bed now since I have another long day tomorrow. I better get some rest now.
Love, Jacques
January 21, 1793
Dear Diary, time flies by so fast in a blur. So much has been happening in France. France was engaged in war, and it seemed like everything just got worse. Some of my friends that work with me has quit to join the volunteer army. I dearly miss them. I lost in touch with them now. I don't know what happened to them, but I hope they are doing well. Now my meals lessened and I can't afford to luxury myself. Prices of bread are now sky-high. Most people can't even afford their meals. I am lucky enough to not starve. I heard that in Paris, things are a mess now. Some of my friends in Paris told me that the king was going to be execute today. I probably could go and watch the execution today. My master is out. He's buying some tools from friends of his on his way for a workshop in Paris. His friend is a great blacksmith. Because it was colder today, I decided to give myself a rest with chores I and started with my crafting right away. I was working on my chair. I carved some elegant patterns to the arm of the chair. I am so proud of myself, and that's when I heard a familiar voice calling out my name. "Jacques! Jacques Bernard!" I knew who this voice belonged to. I would know where ever I go. Alain Berdugo had my master's clothes. "Could you make some time for a little chat?" I welcomed him and led him near the fire place. "Nice timing, I was starting to get a bit bored! Today my master is away. He is attending a workshop with other artisans." Although he was about year or two older than me, I considered him my best friend. We had so much things in common. We often shared same perspectives, and opinions toward issues, objects, all sorts of stuffs. He was working as an Tailor Apprentice.
Alain and I sat down and talked about French's economy. We talked about Emigres, and how irresponsible they are. How could their abandon their mother country because French was facing some conflicts? Where has all their patriotism gone? Oh that's right, they never had one! I sometimes wish that for a second they would snap out of their fantasy luxurious life and get real! We needed every help of French citizens we could get, and those powerful rich ones were fleeing for their own sakes. Our conversation drifted and we talked about Jacobins. Now, those guys got more sense in their heads. I personally am sided with the Jacobins. I also think that absolute monarchy would be abolished. This absolute monarchy does not give equal rights to everyone. Nobles and clergies are living more privileged lives than us. I am sick was watching the nobles living their luxurious lives and over feeding themselves when we people could barely feed ourselves. With absolute monarchy abolished, maybe we could start actually eating at our own will.
After what it seemed like hours, I told Jacques about the King's execution today. He was so excited about the execution. He wanted to watch the execution really badly. I could tell by the way he was grabbing on my shoulder and jumping up and down. What a cute lad he was. I gave in and we got ourselves some cloths to dip them in the King's blood. It took a while to get to the execution place. Many people came to watch, so I was really hard to get through to see the king. Alain and I shoved through the crowds to get a better look. Before the execution, King Louis XVI gave his last speech saying 'I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge; I Pardon those who have occasioned my death; and I pray to God that the blood you are going to shed may never be visited on France.' Until his death, he showed his majestic postures, and manners. After the speech, the guillotine sliced the kings head and the head rolled down. A young guard picked it up to show that now the King of France was dead. Everyone shouted 'Vive la Republique!' and threw our hats up in the air. After the execution, Alain and I said goodbye and we headed our way back. I finished carving the patterns in the chair and I cleaned up to get ready to head home. On my way home I thought, 'Now that the king is dead, what and how will France's government change?' I hope that all this happened for a good, and I hope a bright future for France awaits. Maybe I can get some good sleep tonight knowing that Louis XIV is dead. It was nice to see Alain today. Next time, I shall visit him for a little chat again.
Love, Jacques
June 12, 1800
Dear Diary, it's been so long since I last wrote. As the French Revolution ended, things here in France is changing rapidly. At last, our French government is coming is order and is framing a shape now. Now we have two-house legislature and an executive body of five men, also known as Directory. I really like this new government style. Every things seems more settled now. More order in France. I'm glad the revolution happened. The changes made after the revolution is a benefit for us, the third estates. Powers are distributed equally no matter what estate you are in, and when I walk out my door, I could feel the equality. People now are treated fairy, but before the revolution it was nobles who were favored. They didn't had to pay taxes when I was paying my butt off. I'm glad things straightened out a bit.
Napoleon Bonaparte became our new leader. I think he is a very powerful leader. He engaged us in many wars. Which is good and bad. At first, I was concerned about his ideas, but he is a very successful general, and now I believe that he would lead us the end of our famine and our taxation, but I'm not certain about the famine. Recently, he became the first consul. We needed that. We needed a leader to grasp us and hold us back to our feet. I hope this one doesn't turn out to be like Louis XVI and off with his head. I have faith in him, and so does many other French people.
My job as an apprentice ended and now I'm striving to be a successful artisan. I wanted to learn more, but my master has been killed during the Reign of Terror when he was called by the Committee of Public Safety for being a revolutionary so were other 16,000 and 40,000 people. I had no choice but to end my job as an apprentice and to move on to be an artisan. I have my own shop now, and so far, it's still in progress. Today, I had my first costumer. His name was Pierre Lafite. He asked me to make a chair for him, which was my specialty. I thought it was odd that a rich looking man like him was asking for a chair. I was curious and I asked him why he needed the chair. By my question he seemed irritated. Although he didn't seem to be enthusiastic about telling me about this, he did.
"Oh, actually... My entire kitchen got crushed. I'm just starting with the chair, because my income is unlike before the revolution." he said.
"Your entire kitchen? How so?" I asked him, being as polite as possible.
"People from Neuilly Sur Seine where I rule as a landlord have assaulted my house during the reign of terror," said he. I could sense the sorrow in his voice.
I didn't know what to say to comfort him. I personally was glad that the revolution happened, but now he was moaning about his loss. It became really awkward, and uneasy silence swept through the shop. I preferred silence, so I didn't try to start another conversation.
When I was done carving the chair and was polishing it, he asked me my opinion about our new leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
"I think he's a great leader. He changed our lives 180 degrees around. Our lives became more fair," I answered, and it was true. Since he seized the power, our lives were almost equal as the first and the second estates. The boundaries of estates almost faded. I was satisfied with our new leader, but apparently, he wasn't content about him.
"Do you really think so? He didn't solve the problem of famine or the economic crisis. French people might be more equal now, but they are equally hungry now," he said. Was he trying to convince me that Napoleon wasn't a great leader? Sure enough, he is a better leader than Louis XIV. This man is just angry about his lost. How selfish?! But since I didn't want to hurt his feelings, I just went on with the conversation.
"I'm not certain about him, but I have a feeling that he's a powerful leader. I hope he restores France to peace again. Do you think he'll be a good leader?" I questioned.
"I respected him when he conquered the northern Italy. He ruled with his principle that covered many of the good causes of the revolution. However, he's a dictator now, and the republic that resulted from the revolution is now dead," said he. Although what he was saying was true, I consider dictatorship a skill, not anyone can be a dictator. Only those with strong leadership can be a dictator, so I believe that he deserves a full respect.
"At least he is expanding the territory of France a lot while spreading the revolution to other countries!" said I. I was finally done with my chair. it was one of the best works that I have done. "Here is your chair, Sir!"I said, politely. He seemed satisfied with the chair.
"It was interesting talking with you on such a topic," he said goodbye. And to be honest, it was a fascinating topic to talk about. I never thought about what the other estates would be going through. It sounds tough for them, but sooner or later, revolution was something that was to be done someday.
"Have a nice day sir," I replied. I immediately got back to my works. I had a lot to do to enhance my shop. A lot of cleaning and a lot of organizing. When I got home, I thought about our conversation today. 'What would I have done if I were him? Would it change the way I feel about the revolution?'
Name: Jacques Bernard
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Occupation: Apprentice
Social Class: Third Estate
Financial situation: Poor, but can afford his meals
Appearance: Good looking, black hair and grey eyes. Clothes are decent but not fancy
Location (Map of France, Map of Paris Must be in the Paris region. Sceaux
Habitual locations: Sceaux
Daily routine:
Before the Revolution (Apprentice):
Wakes up at 5 and head to his master's house
Learns about his work, and does his chores
About at 6, comes home
Eats dinner with family and go to bed at 9
After the Revolution (Apprentice) :
Goes to his shop
Polishes the shop and opens it at 8
Makes furniture and sells them
Closes his shop at about 7pm
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Very calm and relaxed, but has a strong individuality and integrity.
Past/individual-family history: His father was an artisan, which motivated him to be a artisan as well.
Family: (spouse? siblings?...) I am an only child. My grandparents are still alive, and so are my parents.
Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in the class, AND your opinions and feelings about them): Very social, and has many friends that he keeps in touch with. I like the people in our class, they are very patriotic, and they have a strong mind.
Religion: Catholic, but doesn't practice often.
Education: No schooling, but his parents taught him the basics about how to read and write.
Languages you speak: French
Main privileges and/or hardships: There were barely any privileges for being the third class. The taxes were really hard for me to pay.
Portrait: (find one online and paste it in)
November 15, 1789
Dear diary, today, the weather was frosty. The clouds were shadowing over our whole town. It's been a while since I last saw the blue skies and the bright sun. The weather here at Sceaux has been getting worse by day. I started my day with a rush. I overslept, so I didn't have enough time to sit down for a breakfast. I grabbed a loaf and started running to my master's house. My master's house is about 8 miles away from where I live. I usually head my way to his house at when it is pitch black but today, I started my long walk, or should I say run, when the sky was turning grey. I knew I was late. I started running as fast as I could, because I knew my master would be furious if I arrived late for my work. Today I had lots of chores to do, and lots to learn. My master taught me how to craft many items. I wish to become a great artisan one day As I was running, I noticed a almost run-down cottage. I saw a man on the door steps sobbing quietly. My instincts told me that there was something wrong, and I had to help him. His name was Jean-philippe Gauthier. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that he felt so sorry and guilty. I asked for what he was feeling guilty for. He was upset that as a father of 3 kids, he couldn't even feed his children. His children were starving, and I felt so sorry for him that I decided to give him my loaf. He thanked me and asked him how he could pay him back. I told him that it was okay and I hurried to my master's house. When I got there, I started my usual chores as usual. I chopped some woods and did some delivering for my master. After all the chores were done, I ate lunch and I started to practice my crafting. I made a stool, and my master praised my work.
My master dismissed me late today since I wasn't punctual that day. I headed home and when I came halfway, rain started showering down! I had to find a place to stay dry. I started running looking for shelter. When I ran for about 5 minutes, I found the farmer's house that I encountered with earlier today. I knocked on the door and his children opened the door for me. Three little children called his father, and when his father came out, he happily greeted me. Although I knew it was rude to ask to stay for the night when I barely knew him, I had no choice. I asked him if I could stay over at his house for the night, to my surprise, he gladly said yes. I thanked him over a million times. He gave me his children's room. I insisted that I sleep on the floor, he gave me a bed, and his children shared two beds between three of them. He fired some woods for me to dry up. We started talking about our lives. We both complained about taxes that burdened us. Taxes were huge on us, but for those rich people like those over fed nobles and clergy, they didn't pay any taxes. He was worried about his crops too. Because of the bad weathers that has been going on for months now was really fatal to his crops and his families. He barely had income, but the taxes kept on increasing. We went on and on about unfairness of the government and complaining about it. About an hour later, we felt fatigue and went to bed. I hope the weather would get better tomorrow. Okay, so I'm going go to bed now since I have another long day tomorrow. I better get some rest now.
Love, Jacques
January 21, 1793
Dear Diary, time flies by so fast in a blur. So much has been happening in France. France was engaged in war, and it seemed like everything just got worse. Some of my friends that work with me has quit to join the volunteer army. I dearly miss them. I lost in touch with them now. I don't know what happened to them, but I hope they are doing well. Now my meals lessened and I can't afford to luxury myself. Prices of bread are now sky-high. Most people can't even afford their meals. I am lucky enough to not starve. I heard that in Paris, things are a mess now. Some of my friends in Paris told me that the king was going to be execute today. I probably could go and watch the execution today. My master is out. He's buying some tools from friends of his on his way for a workshop in Paris. His friend is a great blacksmith. Because it was colder today, I decided to give myself a rest with chores I and started with my crafting right away. I was working on my chair. I carved some elegant patterns to the arm of the chair. I am so proud of myself, and that's when I heard a familiar voice calling out my name. "Jacques! Jacques Bernard!" I knew who this voice belonged to. I would know where ever I go. Alain Berdugo had my master's clothes. "Could you make some time for a little chat?" I welcomed him and led him near the fire place. "Nice timing, I was starting to get a bit bored! Today my master is away. He is attending a workshop with other artisans." Although he was about year or two older than me, I considered him my best friend. We had so much things in common. We often shared same perspectives, and opinions toward issues, objects, all sorts of stuffs. He was working as an Tailor Apprentice.
Alain and I sat down and talked about French's economy. We talked about Emigres, and how irresponsible they are. How could their abandon their mother country because French was facing some conflicts? Where has all their patriotism gone? Oh that's right, they never had one! I sometimes wish that for a second they would snap out of their fantasy luxurious life and get real! We needed every help of French citizens we could get, and those powerful rich ones were fleeing for their own sakes. Our conversation drifted and we talked about Jacobins. Now, those guys got more sense in their heads. I personally am sided with the Jacobins. I also think that absolute monarchy would be abolished. This absolute monarchy does not give equal rights to everyone. Nobles and clergies are living more privileged lives than us. I am sick was watching the nobles living their luxurious lives and over feeding themselves when we people could barely feed ourselves. With absolute monarchy abolished, maybe we could start actually eating at our own will.
After what it seemed like hours, I told Jacques about the King's execution today. He was so excited about the execution. He wanted to watch the execution really badly. I could tell by the way he was grabbing on my shoulder and jumping up and down. What a cute lad he was. I gave in and we got ourselves some cloths to dip them in the King's blood. It took a while to get to the execution place. Many people came to watch, so I was really hard to get through to see the king. Alain and I shoved through the crowds to get a better look. Before the execution, King Louis XVI gave his last speech saying 'I die innocent of all the crimes laid to my charge; I Pardon those who have occasioned my death; and I pray to God that the blood you are going to shed may never be visited on France.' Until his death, he showed his majestic postures, and manners. After the speech, the guillotine sliced the kings head and the head rolled down. A young guard picked it up to show that now the King of France was dead. Everyone shouted 'Vive la Republique!' and threw our hats up in the air. After the execution, Alain and I said goodbye and we headed our way back. I finished carving the patterns in the chair and I cleaned up to get ready to head home. On my way home I thought, 'Now that the king is dead, what and how will France's government change?' I hope that all this happened for a good, and I hope a bright future for France awaits. Maybe I can get some good sleep tonight knowing that Louis XIV is dead. It was nice to see Alain today. Next time, I shall visit him for a little chat again.
Love, JacquesJune 12, 1800
Dear Diary, it's been so long since I last wrote. As the French Revolution ended, things here in France is changing rapidly. At last, our French government is coming is order and is framing a shape now. Now we have two-house legislature and an executive body of five men, also known as Directory. I really like this new government style. Every things seems more settled now. More order in France. I'm glad the revolution happened. The changes made after the revolution is a benefit for us, the third estates. Powers are distributed equally no matter what estate you are in, and when I walk out my door, I could feel the equality. People now are treated fairy, but before the revolution it was nobles who were favored. They didn't had to pay taxes when I was paying my butt off. I'm glad things straightened out a bit.
Napoleon Bonaparte became our new leader. I think he is a very powerful leader. He engaged us in many wars. Which is good and bad. At first, I was concerned about his ideas, but he is a very successful general, and now I believe that he would lead us the end of our famine and our taxation, but I'm not certain about the famine. Recently, he became the first consul. We needed that. We needed a leader to grasp us and hold us back to our feet. I hope this one doesn't turn out to be like Louis XVI and off with his head. I have faith in him, and so does many other French people.
My job as an apprentice ended and now I'm striving to be a successful artisan. I wanted to learn more, but my master has been killed during the Reign of Terror when he was called by the Committee of Public Safety for being a revolutionary so were other 16,000 and 40,000 people. I had no choice but to end my job as an apprentice and to move on to be an artisan. I have my own shop now, and so far, it's still in progress. Today, I had my first costumer. His name was Pierre Lafite. He asked me to make a chair for him, which was my specialty. I thought it was odd that a rich looking man like him was asking for a chair. I was curious and I asked him why he needed the chair. By my question he seemed irritated. Although he didn't seem to be enthusiastic about telling me about this, he did.
"Oh, actually... My entire kitchen got crushed. I'm just starting with the chair, because my income is unlike before the revolution." he said.
"Your entire kitchen? How so?" I asked him, being as polite as possible.
"People from Neuilly Sur Seine where I rule as a landlord have assaulted my house during the reign of terror," said he. I could sense the sorrow in his voice.
I didn't know what to say to comfort him. I personally was glad that the revolution happened, but now he was moaning about his loss. It became really awkward, and uneasy silence swept through the shop. I preferred silence, so I didn't try to start another conversation.
When I was done carving the chair and was polishing it, he asked me my opinion about our new leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
"I think he's a great leader. He changed our lives 180 degrees around. Our lives became more fair," I answered, and it was true. Since he seized the power, our lives were almost equal as the first and the second estates. The boundaries of estates almost faded. I was satisfied with our new leader, but apparently, he wasn't content about him.
"Do you really think so? He didn't solve the problem of famine or the economic crisis. French people might be more equal now, but they are equally hungry now," he said. Was he trying to convince me that Napoleon wasn't a great leader? Sure enough, he is a better leader than Louis XIV. This man is just angry about his lost. How selfish?! But since I didn't want to hurt his feelings, I just went on with the conversation.
"I'm not certain about him, but I have a feeling that he's a powerful leader. I hope he restores France to peace again. Do you think he'll be a good leader?" I questioned.
"I respected him when he conquered the northern Italy. He ruled with his principle that covered many of the good causes of the revolution. However, he's a dictator now, and the republic that resulted from the revolution is now dead," said he. Although what he was saying was true, I consider dictatorship a skill, not anyone can be a dictator. Only those with strong leadership can be a dictator, so I believe that he deserves a full respect.
"At least he is expanding the territory of France a lot while spreading the revolution to other countries!" said I. I was finally done with my chair. it was one of the best works that I have done. "Here is your chair, Sir!"I said, politely. He seemed satisfied with the chair.
"It was interesting talking with you on such a topic," he said goodbye. And to be honest, it was a fascinating topic to talk about. I never thought about what the other estates would be going through. It sounds tough for them, but sooner or later, revolution was something that was to be done someday.
"Have a nice day sir," I replied. I immediately got back to my works. I had a lot to do to enhance my shop. A lot of cleaning and a lot of organizing. When I got home, I thought about our conversation today. 'What would I have done if I were him? Would it change the way I feel about the revolution?'
Love, Jacques